As we get older, our skin starts to change. We get wrinkles, dry patches, pigmentation and even breakouts. Overall, our skin loses its youthful glow and becomes dull in appearance, affecting how we feel about ourselves when we look in the mirror.

The good news is that there are ways to lessen the effects and slow down the aging process. But first we need to learn how our skin changes so that we can take preventative measures.

How our skin changes over time

• The top skin layer (epidermis) becomes thinner and more fragile
• Skin becomes drier due to less oil being produced
• The number of blood vessels in your face and body decrease. Blood brings nutrients to your skin cells, giving your skin a healthy and rosy look.
• Skin cells are repaired and replaced at a slower rate
• The sun and pollution start to show their effects on skin by breaking down collagen and elastin, which give skin its elasticity.
• Your good or bad diet starts to show it effects on your skin. Your bad diet did not provide the nutrients your skin needed to be flexible, hydrated, oxygenated and healthy.
• The un-healthy skin products you have been using start to show their bad effects on your skin.

As you can see, skin health is dependent on many factors that are actually within our control. For example, the types of foods you eat; your exposure to the sun and pollution, along with the types of chemicals in your skincare products. Excessive exposure to the sun and pollution will damage your skin and accelerate aging by producing: age spots, blotches, wrinkles, roughness and sagging.

Want a youthful glow? Check out our top skin care hacks:

• Use sunscreen every day – You can slow down wrinkle formation and even prevent it if you use sunscreen early in your life. Use sunscreen that contains Zinc Oxide (SPF 30 or above). If you wear makeup, put your sunscreen on first.
• On hot days (and even when it is overcast) use your sunscreen and wear a hat. Stay in the shade when possible.
• Keep away from highly polluted areas and don’t smoke. Smoking changes the elasticity of the skin fibers leading to rough and wrinkled skin.
• Get plenty of sleep. Your skin repairs itself overnight.
• When you sleep, don’t sleep with you face into the pillow.
• Drink plenty of water. Your skin loses water during hot days and needs plenty of water to keep hydrated. Water is found in raw fruits and vegetables. Sodas, sugar drinks, tea, (except herbal teas) coffee, or milk are not water.
• Minimize alcohol consumption. It can lead to spider veins and broken capillaries. It also causes your skin to become dehydrated.
• Eat more fruits and vegetables. They provide plenty of antioxidants, which protect you from sun and pollution damage.
• Take an antioxidant supplement, which should include up to 2000 mg of vitamin C. You may have to take the Vitamin C separate.

Start implementing these simple tips and you will definitely see improvement in your skin. Be patient and persistent and you will be rewarded with great skin!